What is the traditional Latvian Midsummer cheese called?

The traditional Latvian Midsummer cheese is called Jāņu siers.

Jāņu siers is a fresh, usually caraway-flavored cheese traditionally prepared for Latvia’s Jāņi celebration. It is commonly made from curd or cottage cheese combined with milk, eggs, butter, and salt, then heated and shaped into a round cheese.

The cheese’s round form is often associated with the sun, an important image in Latvian Midsummer traditions. Caraway seeds provide its characteristic flavor, and the cheese is served alongside other Jāņi foods such as rye bread and beer.

Jāņi is celebrated on June 23 and 24 in honor of Līga and Jānis, names linked with the festival. Jāņu siers should not be confused with Finland’s leipäjuusto or Norway’s brunost: those are different cheeses with different ingredients and traditions.